Register for an audition

Complete SlideRoom supplement

Before the audition, complete a Music Degree Supplement using SlideRoom. There is no fee for this supplement, but it is important to have this completed before you arrive to speed up the registration and audition process on the day of the event.

What to expect at the audition

Theory Placement exams are at 8:30 a.m. First-year examinations normally require one hour. Additional time is scheduled for junior-year placement, which is done by exam only.

Auditions are between 9:30 a.m. and 2:00 p.m. Time is provided for warm-up and a brief rehearsal.

A personal interview follows the audition.

Sight-singing and piano proficiency exams are scheduled within the remaining time.

Specific Requirements by Instrument

Piano

Two or three memorized works chosen from the standard Baroque, Classical, Romantic, and Twentieth Century repertoire. Scales and arpeggios may be requested.

Organ

One work by J.S. Bach or another Baroque composer.

One primarily virtuosic piece by either a romantic or contemporary period composer.

One primarily lyrical piece by a romantic or contemporary composer.

Voice

The entrance audition demonstrates the student's ability to sing in tune with good quality, correct rhythm, and musical intelligence. Students auditioning for the Bachelor of Music in Music Education, Music Therapy, Music Theory, Music History, and Bachelor of Arts degrees must present three pieces selected from the standard classical vocal repertoire suitable to the candidate's age and ability. Students auditioning for the Bachelor of Music in Performance must present four pieces. Audition repertoire for all degree programs must include at least two languages and contrasting historical styles. All selections must be memorized. Musical theater, jazz, or pop styles are not acceptable.

Brass and Woodwinds

All scales, as well as solo material which demonstrates the practical range of the instrument and a variety of slurring and tonguing techniques. Two solo pieces or movements of contrast in tempi are required.

Guitar

Scales in two or three octaves (Segovia) played with two or more of the following combinations: i m i m/ i a i a/ m a m a/ a m i/ i m a m; studies by Carcassi, Sor, Giuliani, Brouwer, et cetera; two pieces representing contrasting styles, such as works by Milan, Sor, Tarrega, Villa-Lobos, or Brouwer.

Strings

A 3-octave major scale and related melodic minor scale with accompanying major and minor arpeggios of the applicants choice

Two compositions or two contrasting movements from two different compositions. Selections must be of contrasting tempi or different time periods (Baroque, Classical, Romantic, Contemporary).

One Movement of an Unaccompanied Suite or Partita by J.S. Bach

One Etude or Technical Study

Percussion

A short solo on each of the following instruments: snare drum, marimba, and timpani. Rudiments, scales and arpeggios, and timpani tuning will also be included. As a general guide, NYSMMA level V and VI solos are preferred with level IV acceptable in an area of less experience.

Sample literature includes:

Rudimental Swing Solos by Wilcoxen

Portraits in Rhythm by Cirone

Three Dances for Snare Drum by Warren Benson

Violin Sonata in A Minor, movement I or III by Bach

Suite for Xylophone and Orchestra by David Carey

selections from RaggedyRagtime Rags by Randy Eyles

Juniper by Kristen Shiner McGuire

Suite for Timpani by Dave Mancini

selections from The Solo Timpanist by Vic Firth

Seven Solo Dances for the Advanced Timpanist by George Frock

Sonata for Timpani by John Beck

Those wishing to play drum set may do so as well during the audition day for the percussion faculty, schedule to be arranged.